His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has ordered an investigation into the blaze tragedy that claimed four lives.
He instructed officials that the circumstances and causes of the fire in a residential apartment in Al Ramli be thoroughly examined and that the necessary measures be taken following the investigation’s findings.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister further directed that the findings of the investigation be urgently presented to the Cabinet.
In addition, he instructed the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements in residential buildings to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents.
Tuesday’s deadly blaze claimed the lives of a mother and her three children – aged five, three and one – in their Salmabad apartment in Block 714.
The Public Prosecution announced that it had begun its investigation and dispatched representatives to the scene of the fire.
They also visited the Salmaniya Medical Complex morgue, with a preliminary autopsy showing that the four victims died of asphyxiation.
“The Public Prosecution also tasked the Civil Defence with preparing a technical report outlining the cause of the fire,” said a prosecution statement.
The bodies have been released to the family.
Sources told the GDN that the Bahraini father survived but remains under observation at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital.
The tragic fire has prompted five MPs to submit an urgent proposal calling for stronger rules and procedures governing housing units, with fire-hit area MP Hassan Ibrahim warning that existing regulations must be strengthened to protect families and ensure safer living conditions.
The MPs, including Mr Ibrahim, Bader Al Tamimi, Hamad Al Doy, services committee vice-chairman Abdulwahid Qarata and Mariam Al Sayegh, are seeking amendments to the rules governing beneficiaries of the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry apartments.
“The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but arrangements with those concerned, mainly Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi and Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi, are ongoing,” said Mr Ibrahim.
“The father of the family is in a state of shock, and when he gets out of this state I will visit him.”
Mr Ibrahim said his priority was to support the grieving father through the devastating loss.
“Whatever he wants, I will do.”
The proposal seeks to amend the existing regulations governing beneficiaries’ associations in government housing apartments, giving authorities more effective tools to deal with violations and negligence.
It also highlights concerns over unpaid association fees, which can affect the maintenance and proper management of common areas.
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and area councillor Dr Salman Abdulla backed the proposal and said further measures were needed to improve emergency preparedness in residential buildings.
“I agree with the proposal by Mr Ibrahim, and I may add that I have already submitted a proposal for emergency backstairs,” he said.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence said rescue teams and vehicles were dispatched immediately after receiving the fire report.
Firemen brought the blaze under control, prevented it from spreading and carried out cooling operations to reduce the risk of re-ignition.
Authorities have urged residents to comply with fire-safety requirements, regularly maintain alarms and firefighting equipment and ensure electrical connections are safe.
They have also stressed the importance of keeping children away from electrical appliances, cookers and ovens.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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